Martial Arts Classes – Class Information

The following are the martial arts classes are taught at the MD Martial Arts Academy. To see the full timetable of scheduled classes please go here.

Wing Chun

Wing Chun is the name of a system of martial arts developed in southern China approximately 300 years ago. Its originator, the Buddhist nun Ng Mui, was a master of Shaolin Kung Fu and used this knowledge to invent a way to take advantage of the weaknesses inherent in the other Shaolin systems. This new system was well-guarded and passed on to only a few, very dedicated students. Later, the style became known as Wing Chun, after Ng Mui’s first student, a woman named Yim Wing Chun.

Thai Boxing

Traditional Muay Thai has a long history in Thailand as a martial art used by the military. The military style of Muay Thai is called Lerdrit, while today’s “Sport Muay Thai” slightly varies from the original art and uses kicks and punches in a ring and with gloves similar to those used in western boxing. Thai boxing also utilises elbow and knee strikes as well as punching and kicking techniques.

Karate

Karate or karate-dō is a martial art of Okinawan origin. Karate is a synthesis of indigenous Okinawan fighting methods and southern Chinese martial arts, possibly a version of Shaolinquan. It is primarily a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes and open hand techniques; however, grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point striking are inherent in the finer points of the art.

Grappling

Grappling (in budo referred to as katame-waza, “grappling technique”) refers to the gripping, handling and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking.

Tai Chi

T’ai Chi Ch’uan is considered a soft style martial art, an art applied with as complete a relaxation or “softness” in the musculature as possible, to distinguish its theory and application from that of the hard martial art styles which use a degree of tension in the muscles.

Chi Gong

A Chinese system of prescribed physical exercises or movements performed in a meditative state.